program accreditation - special olympics vermont

Vermont

1 Special Olympics Vermont

2013 Conference

Vermont

2

Local & School Program Accreditation

SOI Operating Rules and the SOVT Accreditation Requirement

Why we need to provide clear and consistent expectations and experiences

What are program rights & responsibilities

How do we implementation the plan

3 / Special Olympics Vermont

Vermont

4

The WHAT, WHY and HOW of Accreditation

What is Program Accreditation?

Local program accreditation is authorization from Special Olympics Vermont for a particular geographic region or area of the state to be granted approval to act as the official Special Olympics representative organization in and for that designated area of the state.


Why is Accreditation Necessary?

Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) is authorized and accredited annually by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) to use the Special Olympics name, trademarks, service marks, symbols and copyrighted materials to raise funds and operate a program. In order for SOVT to achieve accreditation from SOI, an Area (Local Program) Accreditation process must be in place.

6Special Olympics Vermont

Why, continued…

Local Program accreditation is an authorization or “license” to use the Special Olympics name, trademarks, service marks and copyrighted materials, to raise funds and to operate a program in a given geographic region of the state. Accreditation also serves as a monitoring tool to insure quality and compliance in all Local Program functions, including sports trainings and competitions, outreach, volunteer management, fundraising, finance and family involvement.


8

Why? For them…

Maintaining our status

If accreditation is approved by SOVT, the Local Program warrants that is will conduct its activities validly to be exempt from Federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the State of Vermont.


How are Programs Accredited?

The Director of Programs and members of the Local Program Leadership Committee (task force) meet in mid-January to review each Local Program to ensure the program meets the requirements for accreditation set down in the Local Program Accreditation Plan. If it does, the program is awarded a “Certificate of Accreditation” for the year.


If there are challenges

If a Local Program (for any reason) does not meet the requirements, the Director of Programs will meet with the Local Program Coordinator to determine a suitable course of action to remedy any deficiencies.


12

Help when needed

Solving challenges

Once SOVT and the Program Coordinator agree on a plan, the Program will be granted a provisional accreditation.

If the minimum standards are not met in the agreed upon time frame, additional action will be taken.

Accreditation cannot be granted if the requirements of the provisional accreditation have not been met or if there is no plan of action to remedy any deficiencies.


The Program Director and Program Coordinator will work

together to solve program challenges on a case by case basis with support from SOVT.


Vermont

Rights of Accreditation

16

Rights of an Accredited Program

1. Authorization to conduct a Special Olympics program

2. Use of the Special Olympics name and logo

3. Support and direct assistance (materials, awards, liability insurance coverage)

4. Technical and consultative services

5. Authority to raise program funds in the name of SO

6. Sanctioning of athletes to participate in accredited state competitions and to be eligible to advance to Regional, USA and World Games


18

Team USA for the 2013 Winter World Games

Vermont

Accreditation

Commitments


Responsibilities of an Accredited Program

Prior to being granted Accreditation, a Local Program must agree and be subject to the rules, regulations, policies, procedures and requirements established by Special Olympics Vermont. The Local Program requesting accreditation recognizes Special Olympics Inc. (SOI) and Special Olympics Vermont as the legal and binding authorities on Special Olympics policies and practices.


To become Accredited, a Local Program must:

Submit an application for accreditation

Submit an annual plan and a review of the previous year

Have program representation attend annual Leadership Conferences as offered by SOVT


The overall commitment

Upon acceptance of the official Certificate of Accreditation and the mandate it represents, a Program Coordinator and the Local Program Management Team accepts full responsibility to meet established criteria to retain the rights and responsibilities granted through accreditation for the Special Olympics Local Program and to implement its programs, philosophies, goals and objectives.


The Local Program also agrees to abide by SOI principles to maintain a quality program and to commit the program to excellence and Olympic

ideals.


Vermont

24

Requirements & Reporting

Program Annual Plan

Roster or updates for Program Management team, coaches and athletes

Local Program budget

Outline of fundraising plan (Fundraising Project Application for Approval required for all activities)

Sports offered or planned

Dates of Local Program meetings (if applicable)


Program Review

The report is designed as a self-assessment tool for evaluating growth, successes and challenges during the previous year. This report is conducted by the Local Program Coordinator and key program management, and will be reviewed by the SOVT Program Director and Local Program Management Team.


Why the review?

This tool will help determine if Programs are meeting accreditation requirements and/or need additional support from SOVT in the following areas:

Administration and Organization

Training & Competition Opportunities (for coaches and athletes)

Financial Management

Volunteer Recruitment and Management

Fundraising, Public Relations and Outreach

Family Involvement27Special Olympics Vermont

Vermont

ImplementationA Two Year / Two Phase Plan


So how are we going to do this?

This plan has been developed to allow Programs two calendar years to implement ALL minimum requirements of the Accreditation Plan. At the end of 2014, the Program must be in full compliance with those select requirements listed in PHASE ONE, and all requirements must be met by the end of 2015.


Vermont

Phase OneAccreditation Requirements

to be implemented in 2014


These may already be in place in your program

Phase One: Financial requirements and procedures are

followed

Program budget is developed

Volunteer screening policy in effect

Athlete training standards & requirements are met

Fundraising guidelines are established and approval forms are submitted as required

Attendance requirements for conferences are met

Year-end review is submitted


Vermont

Phase TwoAccreditation Requirements

to be implemented in 2015


These must be in place by 2015

Phase Two: Coaches training standards and requirements

are met

Fundraising program is developed

Volunteer recruitment, management & recognition programs are in place

Leadership committee is developed

Outreach plan is established

Family services and activities are implemented

Complete program annual plan is written 33Special Olympics Vermont

34

All ONE SOVT…

We’re in this together!!

Vermont

Thank you!

35

program accreditation - special olympics vermont

Sports

special olympics program

special olympics local

accredited program

special olympics vermont

program funds

program director

plan3 special olympics

special olympics policies